How long does pain in the lymph node last?
Acute (less than 4 weeks) and chronic (more than 4 weeks) pain of the lymph nodes is distinguished. The duration of the swollen, painful lymph nodes varies greatly depending on the cause or disease. In a classic cold, the lymph nodes usually disappear completely within 5 to 10 days.
With other infections, the lymph nodes may be swollen for longer, which is why a check-up appointment with the doctor can be arranged within the next few weeks. In the case of chronically swollen and painful lymph nodes, a doctor should always be consulted. Other risk factors that require a visit to the doctor are For further clarification of the cause of the painful lymph nodes, a blood sample or a biopsy may be required.
- Especially large lymph nodes (larger than 2 centimeters),
- Especially fast development of swollen lymph nodes,
- Hard consistency,
- Intergrown lymph nodes,
- Reddened and tense skin,
- Fever,
- Night sweat,
- Weight loss.
Prophylaxis – Can painful lymph nodes be prevented?
There is no direct prophylaxis to prevent the painfulness of lymph nodes. One can rather speak of indirect prophylaxis, since the diseases responsible for lymph node swelling must be avoided. In order to prevent general infections, a healthy diet and lifestyle with sufficient fresh food (fruit, vegetables) and sufficient physical exercise is recommended.
Lymph node pain after localization
In the area of the ear, a distinction is made between two lymph node stations, which are examined separately by the treating physician. There are lymph nodes in front of (preauricular) and behind the ear (retroauricular). A swelling with pain in the lymph nodes is often accompanied by redness and overheating in the area of the ears.
Fever, tiredness and fatigue may also occur, depending on the clinical picture. Common causes of pain in the lymph nodes in front of the ear are infection with rubella virus, inflammation of the parotid gland and toxoplasmosis. Syphilis can also cause swelling of the lymph nodes in front of the ear.
Common causes of pain in the lymph nodes behind the ear are inflammation of the cornea or conjunctiva and infection with chlamydia. In addition, reactivation of herpes zoster virus in the facial area can lead to swelling with pain in the lymph nodes behind the ear. During a palpation of the lymph nodes, the doctor palpates the individual lymph node stations on the neck.
He usually starts at the front in the area of the chin, continues along the lower jaw to the jaw angle and along the neck to the collarbone. He then examines the lymph nodes in the back and side of the neck (including the neck) as well as the lymph nodes in front of and behind the ears. Normally, the lymph nodes in the neck area, which are up to one centimeter in size, are not palpable.
In the course of various diseases, there can be swelling of the lymph nodes (up to two centimeters), which can be palpated by the doctor. In the course of various diseases there is swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), which in some cases is accompanied by pain. Common causes of lymph node swelling are infections (bacterial and viral), tumor diseases (benign and malignant) and some autoimmune diseases.
In the case of benign diseases (infections, benign tumors), the lymph nodes present themselves as swollen, painful, soft and easily displaceable and delimitable. Normally, the lymph nodes are swollen on both sides. Common causes for this form of lymph node swelling are inflammation in the area of the tonsils or teeth, Pfeiffer’s glandular fever, borreliosis, tuberculosis, HIV and toxoplasmosis.
In malignant diseases (malignant tumors in the area of the lymph drainage area or the lymph node itself), the lymph nodes are usually swollen, not painful, rough, irregular and poorly movable. Common tumors in the head and neck area that lead to swelling of the lymph nodes are squamous cell carcinomas and lymphomas. The swelling is due to both the presentation of tumor particles in the lymph nodes and the spread of individual tumors via the lymph.
Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck area can also occur. The swelling is often discovered by chance when washing the hair or combing. These lymph nodes filter the lymph from the back of the head.
Besides colds and infections, smaller lesions in this area can also lead to swelling with painful lymph nodes. The swelling of the lymph nodes represents the fight against the pathogens in the affected lymph nodes and is thus a sign of the body’s own defense. In rare cases, intolerance to hair products or jewelry can also lead to swelling of the lymph nodes.
The symptoms are often accompanied by neck pain, neck stiffness and pain in the back of the head. Also in this case, the patient is recommended to consult a doctor if the symptoms do not improve within 1-2 weeks. Like all other lymph nodes of the body, the lymph nodes of the breast are normally not palpable.
They filter the lymph that accumulates in the area of the breast and direct it to the collecting lymph nodes in the area of the breastbone, collarbone and armpits.Often, swelling of the lymph nodes supplying the breast (at least in women) is a symptom of a breast tumor. The lymph nodes are usually not painful, rough, irregular and difficult to move. Pain in the lymph nodes in the groin often occurs when there are complaints in the abdomen or pelvis, but also when there are injuries to the legs and feet.
In addition, small inflammations during intimate shaving can lead to painful swelling of the groin lymph nodes. The body reacts to injuries and inflammations by activating its immune system. This leads to an immune reaction, which is often accompanied by swollen lymph nodes.
The swelling can in turn cause pain in the lymph nodes. If the swelling in the groin area is unclear, a hernia should also be considered.
- Symptoms of inguinal hernia
- Lymph node swelling in the groin – is that a concern?
- Inflammation of the groin
